If you are a dog owner, you may have heard that asparagus is good for humans.
But can dogs eat asparagus? And if they can, should they be eating it?
Asparagus has many benefits for both people and their canine friends.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of this green vegetable and whether or not it is safe for your pup.
Asparagus is a healthy food for your dog but it should only be fed occasionally, just like you would feed any other vegetable. Raw asparagus can be a little tough and tricky to digest, so cooking first is always a good idea. There are lots of benefits when it comes to adding this delicious veggie into your pet’s diet so don’t hesitate if you think they might enjoy it.
How much asparagus can a dog eat?
Whenever you add an extra food to your dog’s diet , be sure to monitor their intake carefully and slowly introduce the new food.
You don’t want them eating too much of it if they aren’t used to it, which can lead to digestive issues.
It’s a good idea to start out with just a little bit at first for your dog get use to this plant-based protein source before gradually increasing the amount you give him or her as time goes on.
A medium sized dog should have no more than one ounce per day; larger dogs may need up to two ounces while smaller breeds will only require about an ounce total daily.
In general when adding extra food sources you should follow the recommendations of your vet – typically no more than 10% of your dogs’ diet should come from treats such as asparagus.
Which part of the asparagus plant can a dog eat?
You should only ever feed the stalks, the same part that humans eat, as the asparagus fern, which is the inedible part of the plant, is toxic to dogs and could make your pet ill.
Are there any benefits of feeding asparagus to dogs?
If your dog is being fed a good quality dog food and has a healthy, balanced diet, then really you don’t need to add any extras.
However, asparagus is considered to be a superfood and is a healthy vegetable that packs all the necessary nutrients.
It’s also high in antioxidants, making it a perfect treat to help your dog to stay fit and healthy.
Asparagus has many benefits:
Fibre which aids digestion while providing vitamins C and A
Folate (vitamin B9) helps produce red blood cells as well as lower cholesterol levels.
It is a copper-rich food – which releases enzymes needed for collagen formation, energy production and iron absorption.
How do you feed asparagus to a dog?
In it’s raw form asparagus can be tough, making it tricky to eat and digest. You should cook the asparagus first and break it down into smaller pieces so that your dog can enjoy a healthy meal.
Simply add a few of the cooked pieces to your dog’s food.
Alternatively, you can make a tasty asparagus dish by boiling the vegetable and adding some water to it before cooking in a pan over medium heat for four minutes until tender.
Once cooked, remove from the stove and allow to cool down – then place into an airtight container or resealable bag with each piece separated so that they don’t stick together.
The asparagus should keep fresh for one week when stored properly in this way.
The cooled water from the cooked asparagus will contain valuable nutrients and you can add this water to your dog’s water dish or to a biscuit based food for him to enjoy.
Can dogs eat canned asparagus?
It is always best to feed fresh vegetables to your dog so that you know what process they have been through.
Avoid any products that are canned or in jars as these may not be safe for your dog to eat as they often contain artificial additives, some of which can be harmful for dogs.
Final Words
Dogs can eat asparagus, but it’s not worth the trouble and effort.
If you plan to give your dog some raw asparagus, be mindful of how difficult they might find chewing and digesting it.
Alternatively, feel free to try giving something softer like carrots or green beans instead.
